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Filed Sept. 30, 1955 I IN VEN TOR. JOU/V f7. uff/060 United States Patent O RETRACTABLE PLATFORM John A. Gaylord, Pacific Palisades, Calif., assignor of one-half to Rocket Jet Engineering Corp., Glendale, Calif., a corporation of California Application September 34), 1955, Serial No. 537,736

18 Claims. (Cl. 311-165) This invention relates to an improved retractable platform.

It is an object of this invention to provide a retractable platform usable as, for example, a kitchen table, extra shelving, a work bench or the like.

lt is a further object of this invention to provide such retractable shelving which can be stored within a minimum of space and in the absence of a deep recess area.

lt is still a further object of this invention to provide a retractable platform which is durable and capable of supporting substantial weight.

Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from the following description.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevation partially in section of a device embodying this invention embedded in the wall of a house.

Figure 2 is a section taken along line 2-2 of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 1 with the platform extended.

Figure 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the outer end of the platform.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of one of the platform components.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary front elevation of a modified form of this invention.

Figure 7 is a section taken along line 7 7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevation of a further modiiication.

Referring first to Figure 1, the wall surface is generally designated 10 and within a vertical recess behind or within a hollow wall this device may be mounted. The platform is formed of two interlocking layers of blocks 12, the construction of which will be described in greater detail hereafter. Each of the blocks in a layer is pivotally connected to the adjacent block. The end block 14 of each layer is attached to wires 16 which in turn are reeved over pulleys 18 and 20 to tie the two layers together so that their movement will be equal upon withdrawal or retraction of the platform.

- A handle 21 is provided at the outer end of the platform upon which a horizontal forceis exerted whenit is desired to draw the platform from its recess or storage spot to the position illustrated in Figure 3, the layers of blocks 12 being pulled out opening 22 in the wall. This opening may be lined as at 24 at its upper and lower surface by a suitable material to reduce wear and friction due to blocks 12 passing by.

yTo provide additional support and guides for the layers of blocks the surface of theliners 24 may be extended behind wall 10. In this embodiment upper and lower tracks 26 and 28 are mounted on blocks 30 and 32 which in turn are mounted upon wall 10.

Referring now to the details of theblocks 12 'forming the upper and lower layers which interlock to-form the platform, each block 12 is identical in construction with minor'exceptions which willbe pointedout. VThe block "ice is essentially rectangular in shape, having ends 36 and 38, sides 40 and a corresponding side not seen in Figure 5a and upper and lower faces 42 and 44. Each block has fixed thereto a protuberance 46 which is affixed near face 42 and on end 38. A second protuberance 48 is attached to the opposite face 44 and midway between ends 36 and 38. Each block is also provided with grooves 50 and 52 in ends 36 and 38 adjacent face 44 and a recess 54 in face 42 adjacent end 36. The recess 54 is formed so as to only permit entry laterally of protuberance 46 on a block 12 of similar construction. The grooves 50 and 52 are formed so that when two blocks are in side by side relationship with the protuberance 46 of one in recess 54 of the other adjacent grooves form a recess which will receive a protuberance 48 of a third block and prevent withdrawal of same except laterally.

Thus when the handle 21 is pulled to the left in Figure 1 the blocks 12 in each layer are pivotally connected to one another by each block having a protuberance 46 inserted into a recess 54. As the lower layer blocks are pulled to a horizontal position the protuberance 48 enters a groove 52 of one of the upper blocks 12. As the platform is pulled further to the left the next succeeding block of the upper layer approaches horizontal and groove 50 encompasses a portion of the protuberance 4S when the end of this block 12 and the identical block 12 in advance thereof abut the grooves 50 and 52 forming a recess retaining protuberance 43 and interlocking the upper and lower layers. At the same time as groove 50 encompasses protuberance 48 on the lower block the corresponding protuberance 48a on an upper block enters groove 50a of the lower block and is similarly secured when the next block of the lower layer is drawn to a horizontal position. Thus, as the platform is withdrawn or pulled out from the wall the blocks of the upper and lower layer successively pivot to a horizontal position and interlock the two layers. The blocks in front and at the rear of each layer have their leading and trailing ends squared oil'; to provide ush edges to the platform, the groove and protuberances which would normally be provided to interlockl with adjacent blocks being omitted where unnecessary. Thus, rear block 14 in the upper layer has provided a recess 54 and groove 50 omitting the remainder. Front block 56 of the upper layer is provided with protuberances 46 and 48 and a groove 52. The front-and rear blocks of the lower layer are similarly constructed as the rear and front blocks respectively above described.

As previously described, wires 16 are reeved over pulleys 18 and attached to end blocks 14 to maintain the layers of blocks in a vertical plane when retracted within the wall. As best seen in Figures 1 and 3, there are provided two separate wire and pulley systems independent of each other. The outer system is illustrated in Figure 2. It will be noted there are two upper pulleys 58 and 60 spaced from one another a distance slightly greater than the width of one of the blocks 12 and therefore the width of the platform. Likewise, a pair of' pulleys 62 and 64 are similarly spaced to the extremity of the lower layer of blocks when-same is fully retracted within the wall. A continuous wire 66 is'reeved around the four pulleys. The end blocks 14 of each layer carry a pair of pins 68 and "l0 on opposite sides thereof. The wire 66 is fixed to pin 68 of the lower block 14 and pin 70 of upper block 14, that is, on opposite sides of the blocks by passing through a suitable slot which is partially closed on the wire. A second wire 72 is reeved around a series of pulleys'identical to the reeving of wire 66 and this wire is'xed to pin 70 of lower block 14 and pin 68 of upper block 14. Thus, the two wires maintain the layers of blocks under tension and in a plane. It is preferred that lower block 14 have weight v74 aiiixed thereto to last mentioned protuberances to interconnect said layers and for a platform.

10. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer of blocks each block of which has a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, one of said layers of blocks having protuberances on a face of the blocks thereof, and the biocks of the other layer having grooves in adjacent ends thereof, a pair of which grooves form a recess for releasably engaging one of said last mentioned protuberances interconnecting said layers to form a platform.

11. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer of blocks each block of which has a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, each of the blocks of each layer having a centrally located protuberance on one face thereof and each of said blocks having a groove at each end of the last mentioned protuberance bearing face an adjacent pair of said grooves forming a recess for receiving one of said last mentioned protuberances thereby releasably interconnecting said layers.

12. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer of blocks each block of which has a protuberance on the end thereof tting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, each of the blocks of each layer having a centrally located protuberance on one face thereof, each of said blocks having a groove at each end of the last mentioned protuberance bearing face an adjacent pair of said grooves forming a recess for receiving one of said last mentioned protuberances thereby releasably interconnecting said layers, and support means releasably retaining said layers of blocks in a vertical plane whereby movement thereof to a horizontal position engages said last mentioned protuberances in said last mentioned recesses.

13. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer lof blocks each block of which has a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, each of the blocks of each layer having a centrally located protuberance on one face thereof, each of said blocks having a groove at each end of the last mentioned protuberance bearing face an adjacent pair of said grooves forming a recess for receiving one of said last mentioned protuberances thereby releasably interconnecting said layers, support means releasably retaining said layers of blocks in a vertical plane whereby movement thereof to a horizontal position engages said last mentioned protuberances in said last mentioned recesses and guide means directing movement of said layers from the vertical position to the horizontal position.

14. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of anadjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer of blocks each block of which has` a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, each of the blocks of each layer having a centrally located protuberance on one face thereof, each of said blocks having a groove at each end of the last mentioned protuberance bearing face an adjacent pair of said grooves forming a recess for receiving one of said last mentioned protuberances thereby releasably interconnecting said layers, support means releasably retaining said layers of blocks in a vertical plane whereby movement thereof to a horizontal position engages said last mentioned protuberances in said last mentioned recesses and tension means interconnecting the uppermost extremity of said irst mentioned layer with the lowermost extremity of said last mentioned layer synchronizing movement of said layers.

15. A retractable platform comprising: a layer of blocks each block having a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks to one another, a second layer of blocks each block of which has a protuberance on the end thereof fitting into a recess on the end of an adjacent block pivotally connecting adjacent blocks, each of the blocks of each layer having a centrally located protuberance on one face thereof, each of said blocks having a groove at each end of the last mentioned protuberance bearing face an adjacent pair of said grooves forming a recess for receiving one of said last mentioned protuberances thereby releasably interconnecting said layers, support means releasably retaining said layers of blocks in a Vertical plane whereby movement thereof to a horizontal position engages said last mentioned protuberances in said last mentioned recesses, guide means directing movement of said layers from the vertical position to the horizontal position and tension .means interconnecting the uppermost extremity of said first mentioned layer with the lowermost extremity of said last mentioned layer synchronizing movement of said layers.

16. A device for forming a retractable platform oomprising: a block having a protuberance on one face thereof, a groove on each end of the protuberance bearing face of said block, said grooves forming with a corresponding groove of an identically formed block and a recess for releasably encompassing a protuberance of an identically formed block.

17. A device for forming a retractable platform comprising: a block having a protuberance on one face thereof, a groove on each end of the protuberance bearing face of said block, said grooves forming with a corresponding groove of an identically formed block, a recess for releasably encompassing a protuberance of an identically formed block and means on the opposite face of said block for pivotally engaging an identically formed block.

18. A device for forming a retractable platform comprisingz' a block having a protuberance on one face thereof, a groove on each end of the protuberance bearing face of said block, said grooves forming with a corresponding groove of an identically formed block, a recess for releasably encompassing a protuberance of an identically formed block and said block on the face opposite the above mentioned face having ya protuberance receiving recess adjacent one end thereof and a protuberance adjacent the other end thereof for pivotally connecting said block at each end to an identically formed block.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 419,978 Taylor Ian. 21, 1890 508,938 Hamilton Nov. 21, 1893 1,566,200 Giard Dec. 15, 1925 1,870,401 Hildebrand Sept. 13, 1932 2,038,838 Greyson Apr. 28, 1936 2,726,911 Mason Dec. 13, 1955 Jan. 22, 1957 E.-| A :exu1-TE '2,778,699

FOLDING TABLE FOR AUTOMOBILES v Filed April 4, 1955 INVENTOR.

-l'f 5 EL/ZAEr/fl/a Barre United States Patent O FOLDING TABLE FOR AUTOMOBILES Elizabeth La Butte, Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada Application April 4, 1955, Serial No. 499,165

s claims. (cl. 311-21) i This invention relates generally to foldaway tables, and particularly to such tables installed at suitable locations in a car.

The various uses for the family or business car are daily increasing in number, and consequently, more people spend more time in their cars than ever before. By way of example, only a few of the uses for the family or business car yare as follows-long business trips, long pleasure trips, family picnics, attendance at open air theatres, and hunting and fishing trips.

These uses for the car usually involve lengthy periods of time under all possible Weather conditions. Some of the functions such as eating, drinking, shaving, writing, care of personal appearance, and many others which are normally performed at home, now have to be done on trips such as listed above. In some cases these functions can be done outdoors, however, in many cases these activities are confined to the inside of the car because of requirements, available facilities, or unfavorable Weather conditions.

Present day cars do not provide facilities for eating or other activities which are normally done upon a table while at home. It is very inconvenient to handle food, particularly hot foods or beverages, and the feeding of young children. Quite often meals eaten in the car cause considerable damage to the upholstering or interior nish of the car, along with such damage done to the car by children playing upon car seats with various toys.

It is the object of this invention to correct the above situation by providing suitable tables within the car for use when such tables are required. These tables are located in required positions and are so constructed as to fold away when not in use so as not to interfere with the driver or passengers.

In the drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

Figure l is an isometric view of the table installed under the instrument panel for use by passengers in the front seat. The table is shown pulled out full length,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same table,

Figure 3 shows the installation of the table on the inside of a car door, l

Figure 4 shows the installation of two tables in the back of the front seat, for use by passengers in the back seat,

Figure 5 is a side elevation showing details of the door and seat tables, folded, and

Figure 6 is the same elevation showing the tables open and ready for use.

ice

open end is a bar 5 which passes through the slot l2 of the table land acts as an additional guide to the sliding table, and prevents the said table from being pulled out entirely from the casing 3.

When the table 1 `is not in use, it is pushed into the casing 3 so that its front edge extends a little beyond the ledge 4; this extended end of the table is the means by which it isr gripped to pull out.

In the pulled out position, the table 1 is held rigidly by its rear edge pressing against the upper part of the easing 3, and its underside being supported by the ledge 4.

In Figures 3 and 4 is shown a table having a flat rectangular top 8. This type of tableis installed in the door 9 and the back of the front seat 10 of the car. The said door or seat is provided with a cavity 16 to house the door 8 in the folded position. The upper edge of the cavity 16 is equipped with an angular bracket 13. A bar 12 is attached to the bracket 13 by its turned up ends, and the said bar passes through a slot 11 in the upper end of the table 8. The said table hangs and rotates upon the bar 12. The pivoted end of the table 8 is provided with a flange 14 which helps to support the table in its open position. A handle or knob may be attached to the table to facilitate opening.

To open the table 8, it is first lifted to a horizontal position and then pushed vinwardly towards the door, or front seat. To fold the table 8, it is pulled away from the door or seat and then lowered into a vertical position within its corresponding cavity. A latch 15 holds the table firmly.

It was the object of this specification to show only the fundamental idea covered by this invention; many variations Iare possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what l claim is:

1. A fold-away table installed inside of a car, comprising a slotted table top, a bar running through said slot and attached to said car, and flange means for supporting said table top in a horizontal position.

2. A foldaway table installed immediately under the instrument panel of a car comprising a table top which slides in and out of an enclosure `attached to the underside of the said instrument panel, said enclosure having an open end with a ledge extending in the front thereof, a bar attached across the open end of the said enclosure, a Wide elongated slot through the thickness of the said table top, said bar in the enclosure passing through the slot in the said table top.

3. A fold-away table installed in the inside wall of the door of a car, or in the back of the front seat of a car comprising a table top within a suitable cavity, an angular bracket attached to the upper part of the said cavity, a bar attached by turned up ends to the said bracket, said bar passing through a slot in the end of the said'table top, said table top hanging upon and free to rotate upon the said bar, and a ange extending from the pivoted end of the said table top and at right angles to it.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,790,468 Franks et al. Jan. 27, 1931 1,809,866 Riesche June 16, 1931 2,270,557 Randall Ian. 20, 1942 2,292,797 Roberts Aug. l1, 1942 2,469,657 Lind-a et al. May 10, 19.49 2,619,395 Kent Nov. 25, 1952 2,621,093 Merhige et al. Dec. 9, 1952 2,634,181 Hunt Apr. 7, 1953 2,723,887 Kowalsky Nov. 15, 1955 

